Corolla vs Civic: Which is the Best Compact Car in 2024?

The debate over the Corolla vs. Civic has been going on for decades, and the battle has only heightened in 2024. Each model delivers incredible performance, available cutting-edge technology, and a very distinct design, but which one is truly superior this year?
If you want that luxurious feel with the Corolla or that sporty ride of the Civic, choosing between these two is all about what truly matters-reliability, comfort, and driving experience.

In the following comparison, we will break down the details into what sets these two compact cars apart, assisting you in making an informed choice for your next ride.

Price Comparison

Price is the first thing that car buyers check. The 2024 Corolla begins at PKR 59.7 – 75.5 lacs for LE and SE trim. For XSE, it costs PKR 75 lacs. At the same time, the Honda Civic base LX trim price starts at PKR 66 lacs, increasing to PKR 85 lacs for the touring model.

Now, though, if you are on a stricter budget, the Corolla might be more attractive, but, as the adage goes, one can get only what they pay for. The Honda is pricier, but it offers higher-grade amenities and, certainly in top trims, better performance.

Reliability

In terms of reliability, the Corolla vs Civic topic presents a mixed bag. The Toyota Corolla carries much of its 2023 model design forward, scoring better on predicted reliability from J.D. Power with 85 out of 100. The Honda Civic is right on its heels, boasting a dependability rating of 82.

Both vehicles come with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Thus, they are nearly at a level of long-term peace of mind, but Toyota has a slight edge based on the rankings from last year.

Interior Comfort and Space

Comfort is another key factor that defines the Civic vs Grande debate, or even when comparing the base models. The other major aspect defining the Civic vs Grande debate, or even when comparing the base models, is comfort. A Honda Civic can out-smooth its rival, Toyota Corolla when talking about cabin quality, which means you get more touch-soft materials and a rather modern design that feels very premium by itself. The Toyota Corolla, meanwhile, focuses on functionality. While its interior is not as luxurious, it provides ample space for essentials like keys and water bottles. However, the Civic offers a more open cabin, especially in the back seats, where it has extra legroom for taller adults.

Dimensions: Which One Is More Spacious?

At 14.9 feet long, the Honda Civic dimensions indicate it is indeed a large compact-class car, offering lots of space relative to most in this size category. The Corolla dimensions are a little more than 14.5 feet long, meaning its dimensions are smaller in comparison. The Honda, though it, too, seats five passengers, feels larger overall, and offers more backseat room. Most significantly, if you haul rear-seat passengers all the time, it’s in the Honda Civic where that roominess comes into play.

Performance and Acceleration

Each 2024 Toyota Corolla comes with a 169-horsepower motor, which is perfect for city driving and even for moving in traffic jams. The GR Corolla (GR as in Gazoo Racing) is great for those seeking more excitement and boasts over 300 horsepower, with a sub-5-second 0-to-60 mph rating.

In the meantime, the Honda offers a wider spread of engine sizes. The base model makes 158 horsepower, while higher versions get a 180-hp turbocharged engine. With 315 horsepower, the Civic Type R is also quicker to 60 than both of those models.

Fuel Economy: Corolla vs Civic

Another consideration for compact car shoppers is fuel economy. The Toyota Corolla gets 32 city and 41 highway mpg. The Honda Civic, with its 1.5 turbo engine, is similarly parsimonious, with 33 city and 42 highway mpg. Truth be told, the two models don’t differ much if you want the most fuel efficiency, which is probably a personal preference.

Exterior Design: Style and Appeal

When comparing the Corolla vs Civic side by side, the two vehicles seem to belong to different segments based on their external appearance.

Toyota Corolla Exterior

The 2024 model has a sleek yet sporty look, with sharp character lines, a sculpted front end, and an aggressive front fascia featuring a sharp grille and angular headlights. Its lower stance adds to its sporty vibe, especially in trims like the SE and XSE. For a bolder look, the Nightshade Edition offers blacked-out accents, giving the car a modern, edgy feel.

Both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Corolla have a refined yet sporty appearance, appealing to those who prefer traditional elegance with a touch of attitude.

Honda Civic Exterior

A new, trendy look also comes with this Honda 2024 model, especially following its complete restyling last year. This makes the Civic very sleek and minimalist compared to older models, sporting an elegant look.

The front grille is not as favorite as that of the Corolla, making the appearance of the Honda a more refined and mature one. The body outlines of the headlights and taillights of the Civic are just razor-sharp with a defined form and contribute more to its sporty persona.

However, the hatchback form is more enhanced by the Civic with a more angular rear end and a sloping roofline which characterises in the coupé shape. If you want something more sporty, then there’s the Civic Type R, similar to an angry child: having nearly every aggressive styling expression on its flank-from the large rear wing to bold body lines.

Cargo Space

Whenever we do talk about cargo space, the Honda stands out from the rest. This sedan offers 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback offers a significant 24.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla Sedan provides 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, and the hatchback of it provides 17.8 cubic feet. If are in search of extra space, then opt for Honda.

Ride and Handling: Corolla vs Civic

The Honda Civic is known for its smooth ride and sporty handling, ranking it up among the top driving cars. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, is a rather peaceful four-wheeler that offers some nice, smooth cruising rides but does not possess the style of Honda.

That means if you’re after a happy medium somewhere between comfort and sporting prowess, the Civic is your likely go-to. But honestly, if you just need a reliable set of wheels that are easy to drive to get from A to B, the Corolla ought to do the trick.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, you can’t take any risks. Both Toyota and Honda offer the perfect set of modern protection traits. These features consist of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature Toyota Corolla 2024 Honda Civic 2024
Starting Price $21,900 (LE trim) $23,950 (LX trim)
Top Trim Price $27,000 (XSE trim) $30,550 (Touring trim)
Engine Options 69-hp 4-cylinder (Standard) 158-hp 4-cylinder (Base), 180-hp Turbo (EX), 315-hp Turbo (Type R)(Touring trim)
Fuel Economy 32 mpg city / 41 mpg highway 33 mpg city / 42 mpg highway (1.5T engine)(Touring trim)
Performance (Top Trim) 300 hp (GR Corolla) 315 hp (Civic Type R)
Cargo Space (Sedan) 13.1 cubic feet 14.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space (Hatchback) 17.8 cubic feet 24.5 cubic feet
Length 14.5 feet 14.9 feet
Predicted Reliability Score 85/100 82/100
Infotainment System 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa 7-inch touch screen (Base), 9-inch touch screen (Touring), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging
Interior Quality Functional, decent materials Premium, modern, soft-touch materials
Ride & Handling Comfortable, smooth commuter car Fun to drive, composed ride, responsive steering
Rear Seat Legroom Average for compact cars More spacious than the Corolla
Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles (basic)
5 years/60,000 miles (powertrain)
3 years/36,000 miles (basic)
5 years/60,000 miles (powertrain)

Which One Stands Out?

Both are extremely attractive, but more on other people’s tastes. The Corolla consumes mostly the youthful, sporty look with aggressive angles and bold features. Meanwhile, the Civic offers a much more refined and elegant design to cater to more minimalistic, sophisticated tastes.

Those seeking bolder looks for more statement can always rely on their owners of driving Civic Type R and GR Corolla, which all accentuate its performance aesthetics screaming on its speed and power.

Conclusion

So, which is better in 2024, the Corolla vs Civic? It depends on your priorities. Both cars are excellent choices, but if you want a bit more style, performance, and technology, the Civic edges out the competition.